Bracebridge Council advances key community priorities through 2022-2026 term

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (November 9, 2026) – As the 2022-2026 Term of Council comes to a close, the Town of Bracebridge is reflecting on four years of progress, significant community investments and milestones that will help shape the future of the community.

The Evaluation for the 2022-2026 Term of Council, presented to General Committee on November 3, outlines the work undertaken by Council and Town staff to advance nine Council priorities. From major investments in community facilities and housing to environmental initiatives, economic development and improved municipal services, the term has delivered important progress across the community.

Over the term, staff presented 425 reports to General Committee and Planning and Development Committee, resulting in decisions advancing over 950 connections to the Town’s five strategic themes and Council’s priorities. Together, the work reflects a coordinated effort to translate Council’s direction into projects, policies, programs and services that support the community.

Some of the most significant achievements include:

• Opening the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre: The completion of the 113,000-square-foot community facility in 2024 marked the largest single capital investment in the Town’s history, bringing together recreation, library, sport and community spaces under one roof.
  
  
• Advancing affordable housing: The redevelopment of the former Memorial Arena lands progressed through a partnership between the Town, District Municipality of Muskoka, Greystone Project Management and Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North. The project is expected to deliver 103 residential units, with a minimum of 25 per cent designated as affordable housing.
  
  
• Investing in community health care: The Town secured $10 million in value toward the local share of the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare Capital Redevelopment Project and advanced plans to repurpose the former Georgian College campus into a Muskoka Health & Wellness Centre.
  
  
• Supporting downtown revitalization and economic development: Work advanced on the redevelopment of the Carnegie Library into a Business Development Centre, bringing together key business support organizations and the Town’s Planning and Development Department.
  
  
• Strengthening environmental stewardship: The Town endorsed regional climate change adaptation initiatives, completed a Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan and introduced an Urban Tree Management Plan to guide the protection and enhancement of the community’s urban forest.
  
  
• Creating lasting community legacies: Bracebridge 150 celebrations included the planting of 150 trees and the reconstruction of the Memorial Park bandshell, creating lasting additions to the community.
  
  
• Modernizing municipal services: The introduction of electronic building permits, online feedback reporting, improved digital payment options and updates to municipal policies helped make services more accessible and efficient.

The Town also made important progress in financial sustainability, with the Province assigning Bracebridge a low-risk rating for nearly all key financial indicators in its February 2026 Financial Indicator Report. The Town’s investment holdings through the ONE Joint Investment Board also grew to approximately $10.1 million from an initial investment of $5.6 million only six years ago.

The evaluation reflects the collective efforts of Council, Town staff, community partners, businesses and residents in advancing the priorities established at the beginning of the term.

Residents are encouraged to read the full Evaluation for the 2022-2026 Term of Council report to learn more about the projects, initiatives, milestones and outcomes achieved throughout the term.

As the 2022-2026 Term of Council concludes, this work provides a foundation for the incoming 2026-2030 Council to establish its priorities and continue shaping the future of Bracebridge.

Quotes
“Council began this term with a clear vision for the future of Bracebridge and a commitment to advancing the priorities that matter most to our community. From major investments in community facilities and housing to strengthening our financial position, supporting economic growth and building partnerships, we have made meaningful progress on many important initiatives. These accomplishments are the result of collaboration between Council, Town staff, community organizations, businesses and residents, all working together to move Bracebridge forward.”
-    Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

“Delivering on these priorities requires more than individual projects. It takes careful planning, strong financial management, effective partnerships and a commitment to continuously improving how we serve our community. The progress outlined in this evaluation reflects the work of staff across every department, who continue to deliver essential municipal services while advancing projects and initiatives that will benefit Bracebridge for years to come.”
-    Stephen Rettie, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Bracebridge